Joining the Xiao Sect

Joining the Xiao Sect . . .

The appearance of any of the top ten rankers from the Immortal Ascension Rankings was bound to cause a stir. When Xiao Lengyue, who not only held a top-ten position but was also a supreme beauty, entered the scene, the level of attention naturally skyrocketed.

However, despite her allure, no one dared to approach Xiao Lengyue romantically. Many of the young men surrounding her were also Immortal Ascension Rankings rankers and far more powerful than Ji Lanshan, who ranked at #321.

"This Ji Lanshan dared to establish his own sect? He's just inviting humiliation," remarked a young man with a mocking tone. His words may have been aimed at Ji Lanshan, but the truth was that Ji Lanshan still held a position on the Immortal Ascension Rankings. It was just that, in their presence, Ji Lanshan seemed utterly insignificant.

"That guy's divine inscription formation isn't bad, though. Hard to believe he's only at the seventh level of Celestial Phenomenon," observed another, studying Qin Wentian with interest.

"Lengyue, are you considering recruiting this man?" a young man at Xiao Lengyue's side inquired.

"Let's continue observing for now," Xiao Lengyue replied calmly, her expression unwavering as she watched the ongoing battle.

The others nodded and joined her in spectating the intense battle. As the fight raged on, Qin Wentian's resolve only seemed to grow stronger. His grand formation's power soared to great heights, and he showed no signs of weakness. Among the members of the God Extermination Palace, only Ji Lanshan could directly confront his attacks. If this continued, they had no chance of defeating Qin Wentian.

"Ji Lanshan, have you had enough?" a young man by Xiao Lengyue's side asked with crossed arms. Ji Lanshan withdrew, putting an end to the battle. His fellow God Extermination Palace members followed suit, and Qin Wentian refrained from further attacks. The confrontation came to a standstill.

Ji Lanshan's expression turned sour as he looked towards Xiao Lengyue and her group. He had clearly lost considerable face in this encounter.

"Going after newcomers personally and failing to capture them, all while your sect members pay the price with injuries. Ji Lanshan, if I were you, I'd be too embarrassed to stick around," the young man with crossed arms taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.

Ji Lanshan's gaze sharpened, landing on the taunting figure. He retorted coldly, "What does this have to do with you?"

"Of course, it has nothing to do with me. I'm not the one who lost face," the person shrugged.

Xiao Lengyue focused her attention on Ji Lanshan and issued a decisive order, "You may leave now."

Ji Lanshan locked eyes with Xiao Lengyue. Despite his rank on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, it was clear that he couldn't stand against Xiao Lengyue and her followers. Fury simmered in his gaze as he turned to Qin Wentian and declared, "I'll remember what happened today."

In the heart of this dramatic encounter, Qin Wentian's eyes bore into the very soul of his adversary, Ji Lanshan. The tension in the air was palpable, charged with the electricity of a brewing storm. "Are you planning to continue this, getting the members of your sect to hunt me down?" Qin Wentian's voice resonated like a symphony of defiance, laced with a generous dose of biting mockery. It was a voice that left no room for misunderstanding. The God Extermination Palace, with all its might, was mustering its forces to deal with nothing more than a mere seventh-level ascendant.

The stage was set for a confrontation of epic proportions, and Ji Lanshan, once so brash and confident, now found himself devoid of face. His voice quivered as he issued a desperate command. "RETREAT!" The word echoed through the battleground, a retreat order that was as much about preserving dignity as it was about safety. In a matter of moments, the experts of the God Extermination Palace began their hasty withdrawal.

Amidst the chaos, a unique voice cut through the tension, though not in the way one might expect. Little Rascal, a pint-sized companion with an attitude bigger than its stature, couldn't resist chiming in. In its baby-like voice, it delivered a final blow to the departing members of the God Extermination Palace. "Loser dog." The words landed with a resounding thud, and if looks could kill, the members of the Palace would have left the scene as a pile of ash. They entertained fleeting fantasies of throwing the cheeky troublemaker into a cauldron for an unscheduled dinner.

As the dust settled, Qin Wentian's form gradually returned to its regular size. His inner clothes shimmered with astral light, revealing a hidden secret—they were defensive divine garments, possessing an extraordinary elasticity that allowed them to expand and contract at will. He made quick work of donning a fresh set of robes and then turned his attention to a figure standing nearby, bathed in an ethereal aura of grace.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but admire the beauty before him. Xiao Lengyue, with her noble bearing and a figure that could inspire poets, was the epitome of elegance. She exuded an aura of purity that deterred even the most wayward thoughts. Her eyes, captivating and deep, locked onto Qin Wentian, as if they held the power to pluck souls from their earthly tether.

Inwardly, Qin Wentian couldn't help but marvel, "What a beautiful maiden." Xiao Lengyue was a sight to behold, and her presence commanded respect without a hint of impropriety. Her gaze remained fixed on Qin Wentian, and her voice carried a sincerity that couldn't be denied. "Your formation's prowess is impressive, and your combat abilities aren't lacking either. It's just that your cultivation is currently lower. If not for that, Ji Lanshan would surely have met his match."

With graceful steps, Xiao Lengyue moved closer, her beauty leaving onlookers entranced. It was as if she had cast a spell that no one could break. Her eyes remained locked on Qin Wentian as she extended a tempting offer. "If you're newcomers to the City of Ancient Emperors, why not consider joining a power? My Xiao Sect can provide you with protection. If you choose to join us, I can guarantee that Ji Lanshan won't dare to trouble you."

Whispers and curious glances filled the air. Xiao Lengyue had taken the initiative, extending a hand of friendship, and few could resist such an enticing offer, especially when it came from a beauty like her.

Even among the bystanders, there was a hint of jealousy. "Hehe, not even I received such a warm welcome," a young man mused, his arms crossed in a manner that betrayed a touch of envy.

Others, however, were quick to offer their perspective. "Lengyue must be impressed by his mastery of formations. But in the City of Ancient Emperors, individual strength reigns supreme. Proficiency in formations is just a minor aspect."

"Xiao Sect..." Qin Wentian's mind raced, recalling the information from the jade slip. The Xiao Sect, led by Xiao Lengyue, the daughter of the Xiao Emperor, was an illustrious power. The woman before him, radiant and poised, was none other than Xiao Lengyue, one of the three celestial beauties of the city. He couldn't help but ponder the words of the lady in the tower, who had mentioned Xiao Lengyue's quest to challenge Qing'er. The battle for supremacy in the rankings was clearly a matter of great importance to her. And now, Qin Wentian found himself at the center of it all.

Before him stood a figure of unparalleled beauty, a woman whose radiance could rival the sun. Yet, astonishingly, this exquisite vision before him had been outshone in the Immortal Ascension Rankings by none other than Qing'er. It was a testament to the ever-growing brilliance of Qing'er, a fact that both delighted and humbled Qin Wentian.

Recollections of their shared history flooded his thoughts. In the particle world, Qing'er had been his silent protector, dedicating herself to safeguarding him from the shadows while postponing her own cultivation. Cultivation, he knew, required unwavering focus and dedication. Qing'er's divine potential had always been apparent, and it came as no surprise to him that she had achieved such remarkable heights upon returning to the immortal realms.

Reflecting on their journey, Zi Qingxuan chimed in. "Our current predicament is a result of our earlier decision to decline the God Extermination Palace's offer." Her words hung in the air, but Xiao Lengyue's gaze remained fixed on Qin Wentian—a young man who dared to meet her eyes without flinching.

In those mesmerizing eyes, Xiao Lengyue detected a glimmer of something beyond the ordinary. While she felt a measure of disdain, a hint of satisfaction stirred within her. Her beauty had the power to ensnare countless exceptional young men, and this one was no exception. Many supreme talents had willingly pledged themselves to her after a single glance, solidifying the Xiao Sect's status as a top power in the City of Ancient Emperors.

Little did she know that the emotion flickering in Qin Wentian's heart was not a response to her allure. It was, in truth, a reminder of Qing'er, a memory that tugged at his soul.

Xiao Lengyue's confidence was unwavering as she posed her question. A subtle smile graced her lips, enhancing her allure. "So, what do you say?" she inquired.

Qin Wentian had his reservations, however. "If we join a power in the City of Ancient Emperors, will there be any lasting connection once we leave this place?" he queried.

His words triggered a silent chorus of amusement from those around them. It seemed that this young man was powerless against Xiao Lengyue's charisma.

Xiao Lengyue responded, her tone casual and reassuring. "Of course not. All sects formed within the City of Ancient Emperors are confined to this realm alone. If, in the future, you wish to part ways with the Xiao Sect, you'll be free to do so. Our purpose here is training, and we maintain a relaxed atmosphere."

Qin Wentian nodded thoughtfully, then turned to Zi Qingxuan and Jun Mengchen, relaying his thoughts through telepathy. "Xiao Lengyue is searching for Qing'er. If I join the Xiao Sect, I'll be among the first in the City of Ancient Emperors to have a chance to find her. I intend to temporarily join the Xiao Sect. What about you both?"

Jun Mengchen wasted no time in responding. "I'll follow you, senior brother," he transmitted.

Zi Qingxuan, her beautiful eyes locked onto Qin Wentian, took a moment to consider. She sighed inwardly, recognizing the profound depth of Qin Wentian's feelings for Princess Qing'er. She then transmitted her response, determination in her voice. "Let's stick together."

Gratitude shone in Qin Wentian's eyes as they exchanged knowing glances. Finally, he turned back to Xiao Lengyue and made his decision clear. "We are willing to join the Xiao Sect."

Observing this, it was evident to some that Qin Wentian remained captivated by the enchanting Xiao Lengyue.

Amidst the buzzing conversations of the spectators, a sense of normalcy prevailed. After all, the invitation extended by Xiao Lengyue was a prestigious honor in the City of Ancient Emperors, particularly for newcomers.

Whispers and hushed discussions filled the air as onlookers analyzed the situation, their voices a symphony of curiosity and admiration. Among them, the experts of the Xiao Sect displayed an array of expressions, ranging from curiosity to guarded interest.

Xiao Lengyue, the epitome of grace and confidence, beamed at Qin Wentian before addressing the group. "Welcome, all of you. Let's return to the Xiao Sect. You can provide our new arrivals with an introduction."

As they followed Xiao Lengyue, Jun Mengchen couldn't help but break into laughter, transmitting his thoughts to Qin Wentian. "Senior brother, Xiao Lengyue seems quite proud. She's one of the three celestial beauties in the City of Ancient Emperors, and we've finally had the honor of meeting one."

The trio trailed behind Xiao Lengyue, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Their presence did not go unnoticed by the other members of the Xiao Sect, who cast curious glances in their direction. Among them, a haughty young man allowed his gaze to sweep over them before delivering a biting remark. "The Xiao Sect doesn't admit mediocre individuals. If you prove too weak, expulsion is inevitable."

With that, he strolled alongside Xiao Lengyue, his voice carrying a note of skepticism. "Lengyue, I fail to comprehend why you felt the need to recruit those three."

Xiao Lengyue's response was calm and measured. "You don't need to understand."

The young man couldn't help but shake his head, baffled by her decision.

Qin Wentian, however, couldn't contain his disdain. He snorted and fixed his gaze on the departing figure of the young man.

"That's Xia Qianhan," the young man with crossed arms chimed in, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. He turned his attention to Qin Wentian and his companions. "As for me, I'm Li Yu, the 'Yu' in 'jade maidens.' Though, as you can see, I'm definitely male."

Laughter bubbled up from Jun Mengchen. "Hahaha, if I'd only heard your name and not seen you in person, I'd have thought you were female."

"Ranked #81 on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, Li Yu," Qin Wentian murmured, his eyes gleaming with a hint of intensity. He continued, "Xia Qianhan, ranked #96 on the Immortal Ascension Rankings."

Li Yu's smile widened. "Impressive memory. However, Xia Qianhan is right. The Xiao Sect doesn't recruit ordinary individuals. Even though Xiao Lengyue is a woman, her standards are exceptionally high, and she doesn't spare a glance for mediocrity. Nevertheless, if your future performances don't meet our expectations, expulsion from the Xiao Sect is a real possibility."

"Performances?" Qin Wentian inquired. "Does the Xiao Sect engage in conflicts with other sects here in the City of Ancient Emperors?"

Li Yu responded with a thoughtful nod. "That's a rare occurrence. After all, the Xiao Sect is among the top three powers in the City of Ancient Emperors. Ordinary sects wouldn't dare provoke us. However, you should be aware that this city serves as a training ground, hosting secret realms and treasure sites in the wilderness. Occasionally, conflicts arise, and there are even rumors of ancient immortal emperors' legacies hidden within."